Nectar glands of Passiflora species growing in Absheron and relation with ants

Institute of Dendrology of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan Baku, AZ1044, Azerbaijan

^* Corresponding author: drvusalabadalova@gmail.com

Abstract

The species P. edulis, P. incarnata, P. ligularis and P. caerulea belonging to the genus Passiflora L. of the Passifloraceae family were introduced in the experimental area of the Dendrology Institute, and bioecological characteristics were studied and it was determined that each of the species has extrafloral nectar glands. The presence of sugar in the exudate of the nectar glands was determined by the ACCU-Chek device, as a result P. edulis, P. incarnata species were rich in sugary substances. At the same time, the morphological arrangement and location of the nectar glands were very similar in both species. At the same time, in Passiflora caerulea L. it is completely different in size, shape and location. Thus, these glands are located at the edges of the divided parts of the pentalobed leaves and are very small in size. In the species of P. ligularis L., the leaf petiole is shorter than in other species, replaced by 3-4 pairs of trichomes 8-10 mm long, and ants were not found in this species due to the absence of sugar, which attracts ants. As, they usually have a protective nature.Among the studied species, P. edulis and P. incarnata have the closest relationships with ants. This has a positive effect on the protection of plants from diseases and pests.